Trade Compliance Manager

Firefly Aerospace•Cedar Park, TX

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a trade compliance professional to drive operational export authorizations, classifications, strategic due diligence, and compliance process improvements. The role applies global export control, sanctions, and import regulations to support Firefly’s business initiatives in the United States and abroad. It partners with engineering, legal, security, supply chain, and other teams to develop responsive, scalable compliance processes that support mission success. The position initially focuses on export controls, with potential opportunities to address international customs matters. The successful candidate will be self-driven and experienced in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Requirements

At least 5 years of export compliance experience in aerospace, defense, satellite, or a related regulated industry, focused on operational execution.
Deep knowledge and demonstrated experience with ITAR and EAR regulations, including hands-on USML/CCL classification and export licensing.
Experience managing Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs) or similar export authorizations, including drafting agreements and amendments and ensuring ongoing compliance with provisos.
Experience with foreign national compliance, including deemed export determinations, Technology Control Plans, or foreign visitor reviews.
Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Excellent written communication skills for regulatory submissions, compliance documentation, and internal and external correspondence.
Problem-solving ability and a proven record of handling ambiguous challenges.
Experience owning projects, communicating timelines, and independently executing across multiple workstreams.
Proficiency with compliance tools and systems such as DECCS, SNAP-R, Visual Compliance, ACE, or similar systems.
Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to travel as required, approximately 5–10% domestically.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the commercial space industry, including launch vehicles, satellites, lunar landers, or spacecraft, or experience with space-related export control issues.
Active SECRET or TOP SECRET security clearance, or ability to obtain one.
Experience supporting international operations, including launch site compliance, foreign manufacturing, or multi-country regulatory frameworks.
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
Experience in high-growth, fast-paced environments where processes are being built in real time.
Demonstrated ability to identify and drive strategic compliance initiatives that improve program maturity and reduce risk.
Experience with compliance automation tools, workflow systems, or building scalable compliance processes.
Prior experience as an OEM, supplier, contractor, or subcontractor in the aerospace industry.

Responsibilities

Drive the development and implementation of Firefly’s export compliance program covering U.S. and global trade regulations across multiple countries and jurisdictions.
Participate in export compliance due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, including sanctions screening, ITAR registration reviews, and integration planning.
Conduct foreign national reviews and make export license determinations, including deemed export assessments, for hiring, contractor engagement, and international supplier and customer collaboration.
Provide expert guidance on EAR, ITAR, and sanctions requirements.
Partner with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, legal, tax, HR, and IT teams to develop scalable compliance solutions.
Participate in continuous process improvement initiatives to strengthen and simplify the export compliance program while balancing business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Take ownership of ambiguous cross-functional challenges by defining the problem, developing an approach, and driving resolution with minimal direction.